> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dps.equinoxroleplay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Uniforms, Ranks & Divisions
> Department uniform standards, rank insignia, specialized divisions, and promotion requirements
## **Uniform Standards**
Every officer is responsible for maintaining a clean, professional, and department-appropriate appearance while on duty.
The authorized uniforms for each rank can be found in the **LSPD Locker Room outfit area**.
### **Cadet Uniforms**
Cadets must wear the complete department-issued cadet uniform and may not modify it without approval from a supervisor.
Department-approved hats are required for Cadets. If your hairstyle conflicts with the required headwear, use the `/bald` command while wearing the uniform.
### **Uniform Customization**
Additional uniform options become available as officers advance through the department. Officers who have earned these options may personalize their uniform as long as they continue to maintain a professional law enforcement appearance.
Examples of unauthorized or unprofessional accessories include:
* Cat ears or other animal ears
* Tails
* Unnecessary helmets
* Goggles worn without a valid purpose
* Masks worn without operational justification
* Bright or unrealistic accessories
* Clothing that conflicts with the officer's assignment
* Insignia belonging to a higher rank
If you are uncertain whether an item is appropriate, ask a supervisor before wearing it on duty.
Wearing a uniform, insignia, or accessory that has not been authorized for your current rank may result in corrective action.
***
## **LSPD Rank Insignia**
Rank insignia identifies an officer's supervisory or command authority.
Officers may only display the insignia associated with their current rank or certification. Ranks not shown below wear the standard patrol uniform without supervisory or command insignia.
### **Supervisory Insignia**
**One Stripe**
Worn by Senior Officers and authorized Field Training Officers.
**Two Stripes**
Identifies an officer holding the supervisory rank of Corporal.
**Three Stripes**
Identifies a patrol supervisor holding the rank of Sergeant.
### **Command Insignia**
**One Gold Bar**
Identifies an officer holding the command rank of Lieutenant.
**Two Gold Bars**
Identifies an officer holding the command rank of Captain.
**Three Gold Stars**
Identifies the Assistant Chief of Police.
**Four Gold Stars**
Identifies the Chief of Police.
Rank insignia represents departmental authority. Misrepresenting your rank or wearing unauthorized insignia is prohibited.
***
## **Divisions & Certifications**
Officers may apply for specialized divisions and certifications after reaching the minimum rank listed below.
Meeting the minimum rank makes an officer eligible to apply but does not guarantee acceptance. Officers must remain in good standing and successfully complete any required training or evaluation.
| Division or Certification | Minimum Rank |
| ------------------------------------- | -------------- |
| Field Training Officer | Senior Officer |
| Street Racing Unit | Corporal |
| K9 Unit | Officer I |
| Air One | Officer I |
| Gang and Narcotics Unit | Officer I |
| SWAT | Officer I |
| Tactical Flight Officer | Officer I |
| Medical Certification | Officer I |
| Interceptor Certification | Officer I |
| Motor Unit / Traffic Enforcement Unit | Officer I |
| Spike Strip Certification | Officer I |
| SMG / Automatic Weapons Certification | Officer I |
| Rifle Certification | Officer I |
### **Division Expectations**
Members of specialized divisions are expected to:
* Maintain the required department rank.
* Remain active and in good standing.
* Follow the division's procedures and chain of command.
* Attend required training sessions.
* Maintain any certifications associated with the assignment.
* Use division equipment only when authorized.
* Represent the division professionally.
Division leadership may suspend or remove an officer from a specialized assignment for inactivity, misuse of equipment, failure to follow procedures, or conduct unbecoming of the department.
***
## **Promotions & Department Activity**
### **How Do I Rank Up?**
Promotions are earned through consistent performance, department involvement, and quality roleplay. Time served alone does not guarantee promotion.
Command and supervisory staff will consider whether an officer is:
* Active within the department
* Willing and eager to learn
* Receptive to training and constructive feedback
* Capable of producing quality police roleplay
* Knowledgeable about department policies and procedures
* Able to work effectively with other officers
* Able to follow the chain of command
* Able to separate the storylines of different characters
* In good standing with the department
* Developing their character in a positive and believable direction
* Ready to accept the responsibilities of the next rank
We understand that experienced players may have served in law enforcement departments on other servers. Previous experience is valuable, and our training programs are designed to avoid unnecessarily holding experienced officers back.
However, Equinox has its own procedures, expectations, and departmental values. Every officer must demonstrate that they can follow our standards before being promoted.
Meeting the weekly activity requirement does not automatically qualify an officer for promotion. Activity gets you noticed; performance, attitude, and readiness earn the promotion.
### **Weekly Activity Requirement**
All department members are currently required to complete at least **six hours of on-duty activity each week**.
This requirement exists to maintain an active department and ensure that staffing responsibilities do not repeatedly fall on the same officers.
Officers are still encouraged to enjoy other characters and other areas of the server. The activity requirement is not intended to prevent anyone from developing storylines outside the LSPD.
Failure to meet the weekly requirement without an approved Leave of Absence may result in an inactivity strike.
Occasional inactivity will not permanently damage an officer's department standing. However, reaching a third inactivity strike may result in demotion, removal from specialized divisions, or separation from the department.
***
## **Leave of Absence**
### **What If I Need to Be Away?**
Real life always comes before roleplay. If you know that you will be unavailable or unable to meet the weekly activity requirement, submit a **Leave of Absence request**.
Your request should include:
* The date your leave will begin
* Your expected return date
* A brief explanation, when appropriate
* Whether you will have limited or no availability
An approved Leave of Absence prevents the activity system from flagging you while you are away.
You do not need to provide private or overly personal information. Command only needs enough information to understand approximately how long you expect to be unavailable.
Submit your Leave of Absence before you become inactive whenever possible. If an emergency prevents that, contact a supervisor when you are able.
### **LOA Abuse**
The Leave of Absence system exists to protect officers who genuinely need time away. It must not be used to repeatedly avoid activity requirements while retaining rank, certifications, or specialized assignments.
Command staff is generally flexible with time-off requests. Officers are encouraged to take breaks when needed, but repeated abuse of the system may result in a review of the officer's department status.